Legal foundations

Plastics are innovative materials. They make new products possible and drive technological progress like hardly any other material.

Some plastics are subject to legal regulations which limit their application. Currently many countries are strengthening the regulations.

Plastics made from polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) do not release substances that are regulated by law. They are a pioneers of economic, environmental and social progress.

No chlorine (Cl)
Chlorine chemistry is strictly regulated worldwide. Since it is toxic and persistent, special measures are needed in the handling of chlorine in order to protect the population and the environment.

No bisphenol A (BPA) and no bisphenol S (BPS)
Bisphenol is mutagenic, carcinogenic, toxic to fetal development and damages fertility due to a hormone-like effect (estrogenic and androgynous effects). It is prohibited in many countries.

Further reading

  • International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC): Link

  • European Commission, Directorate-General Environment: Link

  • Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, REACH: Link

  • PBA as part of Policarbonate listed as SVHC (substance of very high concern) by ECHA: Link
  • European Chemicals Agency: Link

  • Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, REACH (Europäische Chemikalienverordnung) regarding endocrine disruptors: Link

  • Commission Directive 2014/81/EU: Link

  • BIBRA Toxicology Advice & Consulting: Link

  • Réseau Environnement Santé (RES): Link

Solutions for the environment, the economy and society

Sustainable development equally takes into account the environment, the economy and society. It meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the capability of future generations. Lützelschwab Consulting AG is committed to long-term sustainable solutions in the card market.

The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analyses the environmental impacts of products during their entire life cycle based on the approach "from cradle to grave". Studies show that polyester complies with the principles of sustainability in its entire life cycle.

The recent development from the polyester family is called Tritan™ and is characterized by its above-average durability. This leads to a longer service life of the card which significantly reduces the costs (economy of scale).

Further reading

  • United Nations Development Programme: Link

  • United Nations Millennium Development Goals: Link

Smartcards made from recycled plastic

Plastic is part of our daily lives. The material is extremely versatile, low weight, is available worldwide and comparatively inexpensive. But its popularity also has a downside; every year, around ten million tons of plastic waste ends up in the oceans as a result of careless handling and littering. A global problem that Europe is now tackling; the EU will ban all disposable plastic products from 2021.

Items such as disposable plates and cutlery, cotton swabs and buds, drinking straws and beverage stirrers. By 2029 90% of all plastic bottles must also be collected separately. Plastic bottles will also be required to contain increasing amounts of recycled plastic; 25% by 2025 and 30% by 2030. (European Parliament resolution of 27 March 2019, acts A8-0317/2018).


Plastic recycling can make a very significant contribution to the recycling economy. From the recycled sneaker to the 100% recycled water bottle through to the recycled car seat cover, plastic is returned to the economic cycle and flawlessly performs its new function. A plan covering the entire life cycle of the material is important. The advantages are manifold; energy is used more efficiently, CO2 emissions are reduced, the ecological balance is improved and resources are conserved.


Lützelschwab Consulting AG is also committed to the recycling of plastics and, together with Folienwerk Wolfen, offers a solution for recycling this valuable secondary raw material as cards and films. Today we can offer films made from over 70% recycled PET.



  • Directive (EU) 2018/851 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive 2008/98/EC on waste Link

  • ECD Environmental Outlook up to 2030 (pre-legislative) Link

  • United Nations Publication (2017) on Marine Plastic Debris and Microplastics 
    (pre-legislative) Link

  • United Nations: 17 Sustainable Development Goals (pre-legislative) Link

Contact

Lützelschwab Consulting AG
Wylerringstrasse 29A
CH – 3014 Bern, Switzerland


welcome@smart-ecofilms.com
Landline: +41 33 841 24 24